ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Center for Victims of Torture™ (CVT) today issued this statement as the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MNDHR) released the report on their Investigation into the City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Police Department.

“The findings of the Minnesota Department of Human Rights report are disturbing and violent, but they don’t tell us anything community members haven’t been pointing out for years: that they are targeted, harassed, abused and surveilled by officials of the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD).

“We are appalled by the mistreatment and abuse BIPOC communities in Minneapolis have and continue to face. The use of unnecessary or excessive force, chemical irritants and unauthorized surveillance is always egregious. However, the disproportional rate in which these tactics are used by MPD against Black people is especially heinous and worrisome. And while this report was specific to the MPD, it pains us to think about the possibility that many police departments, in Minnesota and the rest of the country, tolerate this behavior.

“At CVT, we are working with community leaders in the Twin Cities, Minnesota and nationally to advocate for the end of abuse, torture and degrading/inhumane treatment perpetuated by our country’s policing and criminal legal systems. We believe in humane policing that prioritizes communities and protects civilians from discrimination, violence and abuse.

“It’s long past time for change and accountability. Like the MNDHR puts it:

‘Without coordinated and sustained action from City and MPD leaders, MPD’s organizational culture will continue to undercut the efficacy of the City’s public safety system and perpetuate race-based policing.’

“Our nation’s cities and policing departments, including Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Police Department, cannot wait any longer to confront the racism, discrimination and corruption that plague our public safety infrastructure.” -Ta’Mara Hill, CVT policy officer

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To join CVT’s fight for public safety that serves us all, sign up here. To read more about our legislative priorities, which include police reform and accountability legislation, visit our website here.

The Center for Victims of Torture is a nonprofit organization with offices in Ethiopia, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Uganda, United States and additional project sites around the world. Visit www.cvt.org